How to Watch “Return to Earth”

An uncrewed Boeing Starliner is poised to embark on its journey back to Earth, leaving behind two astronauts who will remain at the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended five-month stay. The Starliner is scheduled for a parachute landing in the New Mexico desert on the night of Friday, September 8, 2023. Although both Boeing and NASA express confidence in the vehicle’s ability to make the journey successfully, they opted to leave the astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, aboard the ISS for this mission.

“We have confidence in the vehicle,” stated Steve Stich, the manager of NASA’s commercial crew program, during a Wednesday news conference. “It’s been a journey to get here, and we’re excited to have Starliner undock and return.” Despite this assurance, NASA made the decision to prioritize safety by keeping the astronauts on the station rather than allowing them to return on the Starliner.

Starliner is slated to undock from the ISS at 6:04 p.m. EDT on Friday, initiating its return to Earth. The spacecraft will autonomously maneuver away from the space station and prepare for its descent, with the landing predicted to occur around 12:03 a.m. EDT on Saturday. This will be achieved using parachutes to slow its fall before touching down at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico.

However, potential delays could alter the schedule. Should adverse weather or technical issues arise, Starliner might attempt to land on September 10, 14, or 18, according to NASA officials. This cautious approach reflects a proactive stance toward ensuring the safety and integrity of the mission.

NASA will provide live coverage of Starliner’s return journey, with a live stream available on NASA+. Viewers can also follow along via the NASA app, the organization’s website, and its YouTube channel. Coverage will commence at 5:45 p.m. EDT, just before the planned undocking, and will continue through the landing, with a post-landing news conference expected around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Williams and Wilmore initially arrived at the ISS on June 6 for what was intended to be a 10-day mission. However, their stay will extend to eight months as they await a return mission on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, scheduled to launch on September 24. Due to this arrangement, the upcoming Crew-9 mission will be scaled down to two astronauts instead of the usual four, allowing for the accommodation of the two Boeing astronauts.

Throughout their time aboard the ISS, Williams and Wilmore have been actively involved in Expedition 71, conducting over 40 scientific experiments. NASA has ensured that they are well-prepared to handle their extended mission, focusing on scientific research and routine maintenance tasks during their stay.

Even before its launch on June 5 from Kennedy Space Center, the Starliner experienced multiple challenges. Upon reaching the ISS, engineers uncovered a series of helium leaks and propulsion system problems, which have hampered the spacecraft’s functionality. As a result, confidence in the Starliner’s ability to safely bring its crew home was a significant factor in NASA’s decision to keep the astronauts on board the ISS for this particular mission.

The Starliner’s mission represents the first crewed demonstration of Boeing’s spacecraft, designed to compete with SpaceX for NASA contracts involving regular trips to the ISS. The outcome of this test could affect Boeing’s path forward, including whether it can achieve certification for regular crewed operations to the ISS.

Following a successful landing, Boeing will need to conduct additional ground tests to address any propulsion system issues and prepare for future flights. Steve Stich noted, “Their team is going to start looking at what we need to do to get the vehicle fully certified in the future.”

Boeing has acknowledged its commitment to safety and the mission objectives outlined by NASA. They continue to focus on ensuring both crew and spacecraft safety as they navigate the complexities of space travel.

Source: USA TODAY